Northern Thailand News
Northern Thailand news, Chiang Mai news, business, tourism, and culture—stay updated with breaking stories, local events, and travel insights from Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pai, and beyond. Get the latest from The Thaiger, your trusted Northern Thailand news source.
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Sponsored 5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)
Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...
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Mekong momentum: Nakhon Phanom’s new bike lane sets sail for tourism boost
In Nakhon Phanom, a new initiative has been launched to boost tourism along the scenic Mekong River. The local municipality has collaborated with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to introduce a Bike Lane Tunnel, an innovative attraction that’s set to captivate tourists throughout December. This project was announced to the public yesterday, December 7. The Bike Lane Tunnel, a…
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Cable cash approved: Thai Cabinet greenlights 28 million baht for sky-high project in Phu Kradueng
The Thai Cabinet recently approved a 28 million baht budget to design a contentious cable car project at Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei, according to Lertsak Watthanachaikul, a Pheu Thai Party MP for Loei. This was further confirmed by PM’s Office Minister Puangpet Chunlaiad, a former Loei MP, who stated the design fund was presented to the cabinet at…
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Lampang high-speed chase ends with seizure of 1.3 million amphetamine pills
Amidst the serene landscapes of Lampang, the tranquillity was shattered on December 6, as a high-speed chase ended in the capture of two alleged drug smugglers with amphetamine pills. The suspects, identified only as 43 year old Worapot and Chainarong, were found in possession of an astonishing 1.3 million amphetamine pills. The apprehension of such a significant drug haul was…
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Over 2,500 debtors in Nakhon Ratchasima seek resolution for 195 million baht informal debts
Over 2,500 debtors in Nakhon Ratchasima have registered for assistance in resolving their informal debts, amassing a total debt of 195 million baht. The highest number of registrations came from the Mueang district. The scene at the registration point in Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima district was bustling with both debtors and creditors seeking to register for state assistance in addressing their…
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Northeast Thailand: Woman fatally stabbed during Ngiew celebration in Khon Kaen
A shocking incident unfolded at a festive event in the Phon District of Khon Kaen when a woman was fatally stabbed by an unknown assailant. The incident occurred in the early hours of today, December 6, during the Ngiew celebration, a traditional festive event. The fatally stabbed woman suffered from severe injuries, succumbing to the wounds later in the hospital.…
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Golden Buddha statues draw crowds to Phayao’s Wat Phra That Chom Sin
The Wat Phra That Chom Sin in Ban Tham, Dok Khamtai district, Phayao province, now stands out with 108 golden meditating Buddha statues. These statues, each measuring 2.5 metres wide and 3.5 metres tall, are majestically arranged around the temple’s mountainous landscape, attracting a stream of tourists and worshippers. These statues, made from concrete, are a unique attraction in the…
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Umphang Hospital appeals for unexpired medication donations amid supply shortage
A call for public assistance has been issued by Umphang Hospital, a state-run facility located in the border district of Tak’s northern province. As supplies dwindle, the hospital is appealing for donations of unexpired medication, previously prescribed for other illnesses. Dr Worawit Tantiwattanasap, the director of Umphang Hospital, shared the situation yesterday, December 5. According to him, the hospital is…
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Isaan illuminates: Thai govt sparks tourism surge in the northeast for economic radiance
The northeast region of Thailand, known as Isaan, is set to become a new focal point for tourism growth. It is part of the government and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) initiative geared towards stimulating economic activity in secondary cities. The plan was unveiled last month during the China International Travel Mart 2023 where TAT promoted Isan to Chinese…
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Fatal night-time collision on Uthai Thani road claims teenage life
A tragic collision on a dark road resulted in the death of a 17 year old high school student and injured two others yesterday, December 1. The incident occurred on the Khao Khong Chai-Ban Pa Ao route, in Uthai Thani’s Lan Sak district. The vehicles involved were an E-Tan pickup carrying a full load of rice, a Honda PCX scooter,…
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Thai man punches neighbour to death after conflict over dog waste
A Thai man reportedly punched his neighbour to death on the side of the road in the northern province of Lampang after a dispute over dog waste. The killer claimed he acted in self-defence. Mueang Lampang Police Station officers and a rescue team rushed to the scene on Lampang-Ngao road at 7.45am today, December 1. The deceased, 68 year old…
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Young women ignore safety warnings at Phu Chi Fah, sparking concerns
Two young women risked their lives by crossing a safety line at Phu Chi Fah viewpoint to take photographs, triggering concerns from officials about a potential increase in copycat behaviour. Phu Chi Fah National Park in Thoeng, Chiang Rai, reported the incident occurred at 6.04am on October 26, and issued a public warning on their page. The tourist attraction has…
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Sukhothai: 24 year old man with drug addiction problems shoots grandfather
A 24 year old Thai man, who reportedly had a problem with drug addiction since high school, shot his grandfather. The young man’s mother had travelled from Bangkok to take him to rehab but instead, she arrived home to attend her father’s funeral. The incident occurred in the small district of Ban Dan Lan Hoi in Sukhothai province. The local…
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Thief steals 88 gold necklaces worth at least 17 million baht in Chiang Mai
A Thai man stole 88 gold necklaces from Yaowarat Krungthep Gold Shop in Lotus’s supermarket in the Fang district in the northern province of Chiang Mai yesterday. Each gold necklace was worth 200,000 to 500,000 baht causing losses of at least 17 million baht. The theft took place at about 18.45pm yesterday, November 28. The thief stole 88 gold necklaces…
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Lantern blamed for burning Chiang Mai market, causing over 100 million baht damage
A fire broke out at nine buildings within Rim Ping Flower Market in the northern province of Chiang Mai at 3am yesterday, November 28. A witness claimed the blaze was triggered when a lantern from the Loy Krathong and Yi Peng Lantern Festival fell onto the buildings. Ten firefighting trucks swiftly rushed to the market on Praisanee Road in the…
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Unprecedented tourist influx on full moon day at Wan Nakee Island’s shrine
Tourists flocked to Wat Kham Chanot Wang Nakee coinciding with the revered day of the full moon and the traditional Loy Krathong Festival on November 27. The shrine, located in Ban Muang, Ban Dung district, Udon Thani province, is dedicated to Nakee Island’s spiritual guardians, Grandfather Sri Sutho and Grandmother Ya Sri Pathum. The shrine’s spiritual significance attracted a vast…
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Escape to Thailand’s best-kept secret: Mae Chaem, a hidden paradise of culture, tranquillity, and starlit nights
In the heart of northern Thailand lies a hidden gem, away from the tourist throngs that swarm popular destinations. Mae Chaem, nestled on the flank of Doi Inthanon mountain, beckons discerning travellers seeking respite from the usual hustle and bustle. As you wind through lush greenery and scenic landscapes, Mae Chaem unfolds like a dream. The journey itself, a four-hour…
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Northeast Thailand: Former police commissioner linked to Saudi jewel theft dies
Chalor Kerdthes, the former police commissioner implicated in the infamous Saudi royal jewellery theft case, passed away at the age of 85. He succumbed to heart failure at Maharaj Hospital in Nakhon Ratchasima on November 24. Chalor was born to Lieutenant Colonel Chaem and Thongkum Kedthes on August 28, 1938, in Bangkok. Chalor, an alumnus of the 15th class of the…
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Northeast Thailand: Giant turtle with markings resembling Thai King found in Nakhon Ratchasima
A giant turtle, believed by locals to bring wealth and good fortune, caused a stir in the Nakhon Ratchasima community. The turtle, weighing approximately 12 kilogrammes, was found by 63 year old resident Jod Songnok who has been taking care of it for over two years. The unusual creature is attracting crowds due to its peculiar shell markings, which resemble…
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Khon Kaen: Diarrhoea outbreak in village linked to contaminated water system
A diarrhoea outbreak has affected 27 residents, two of whom are critically ill, in a village in the Khon Kaen province of Thailand. Suspected to be caused by contamination in the local water system, medical professionals have collected samples for further investigation. Chanachai Sorosriwichai, the deputy governor of Khon Kaen, Krung Namsanga, the district chief of Waeng Yai, along with…
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Northeast Thailand: Couples in Buriram left high and dry as wedding planner breaches contract
Several couples reported a renowned wedding planning and bridal gown rental shop in Buriram for breach of contract. The couples, who had scheduled their weddings for today (November 25), were left hanging as the shop failed to set up wedding scenes or provide the agreed-upon bridal outfits. The local police station in Buriram received multiple complaints from disgruntled couples who…
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Unregistered firearm found during routine weight check on highway in central Thailand
Highway Police officers apprehended a 22-wheel lorry driver on Tuesday during a routine weight check operation on Phra Prathon-Ban Bo Road, Mueang Nakhon Pathom, central Thailand. The driver, a 47 year old man known as Jirapat (surname withheld), was found in possession of an unregistered 9-millimetre firearm and four bullets. Jirapat was arrested, and charged with possession of firearms without…
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Cannabis shop raid in Lampang: Teenagers found consuming marijuana
A cannabis shop raid resulted in the discovery of about ten students, including a 14 year old, consuming marijuana within the premises. Residents, distressed by the situation, reported the establishment, leading to an investigation and legal action against the shop owner. Yesterday, at 5.20pm, a special operations team from the Lampang administrative department conducted a raid on the cannabis shop, led…
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Bogus baht bills bankrupt shopkeeper in costly counterfeit conundrum in northern Thailand
A significant financial loss was experienced by a 61 year old shopkeeper from Udon Thani, due to counterfeit banknotes. Buaphan Somsud filed a complaint with the local police station today after discovering someone had used 50 baht counterfeit notes in her shop’s top-up machine. Buaphan, who owns a grocery store in the Ban Lao community, reported the incident to the…
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Tragedy strikes famous dragon troupe pickup truck: Explosive tyre leaves 3 dead and 15 injured
The pickup truck of a renowned dragon troupe who were on their way to a Khon Kaen performance suffered a tyre blowout, resulting in a devastating accident. The calamity occurred 70 kilometres before the troupe’s destination, turning Mittraphap Road into a scene of chaos. Police Colonel Peerachat, Superintendent’s Branch, Phon Police Station, and his team rushed to the area, responding…
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Heroic Thai teacher thwarts armed intruder: Calls for improved school safety measures in Thailand
A heroic teacher, who defended students and faculty from an armed intruder, has drawn praise from the government. Thawatchai Duangtham, a teaching assistant at Ban Nam Phu Hin Lat School in Chaiyaphum in northeast Thailand, bravely fought off an armed intruder, sustaining injuries to his hand and arm in the process. Deputy government spokesperson, Kaenika Unjit, commended his courage and…
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Northern Thailand: Gate to Heaven stirs debate due to similarity to Bali temple
A recent opening of a new tourist spot in Nan province, Thailand, named Gate to Heaven sparked widespread criticism for its striking resemblance to the famous Lempuyang Temple in Bali, Indonesia. The site’s replication of the iconic Lepuyang Temple ignited a heated online debate about cultural appropriation and originality in tourism. The Gate to Heaven became a trending topic on…
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Northeast Thailand: Teenager fatally shot after Carabao concert at Surin Elephant Festival
A 17 year old teenager was fatally shot during a violent confrontation at the Surin Elephant Festival today, following Thai rock band Carabao’s last concert at the festival. The annual event, which attracted over 20,000 spectators, took place at the Srinagarind Stadium in Surin, Thailand. Tensions escalated after midnight as groups of teenagers began to leave the venue. A heated…
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Northeast Thailand: Knife-wielding man causes chaos at school in Khon Kaen
A shocking incident occurred at a school in Khon Kaen when a mentally disturbed man wielding a knife chased teachers and students around the flagpole, leading to injuries. The man was later apprehended by the police. The incident took place at 8.30am, at Ban Namphu Hin Lat School in Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum province. The man, identified as 37 year old…
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Korat Cat Pants: Thailand’s new cultural symbol takes on Elephant Pants
The Korat Chamber of Commerce is championing the Korat Cat Pants as a new cultural symbol and potential rival to Thailand’s famous Elephant Pants. The product is part of a strategic effort to add value to local goods and services bearing the symbol of Korat, enhancing their recognition among tourists and bolstering their value in the tourism industry. This follows…
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Thai woman demands justice after husband abandons her following 12 million baht lottery win
A 26 year old woman from Buriram province finds herself in dire straits with her three year old daughter after her husband, who won a lottery prize of 12 million baht, abandoned them and declared he had a new wife. The woman, identified as Janya (surname withheld), hails from Lahan Sai district in Buriram. Seeking legal assistance through media outlets,…
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